Code Q&A

What are the AFCI protection requirements for dwelling units, and do these requirements apply to smoke alarms?

Advertisement

Q. What are the AFCI protection requirements for dwelling units, and do these requirements apply to smoke alarms?

A. All 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits in dwelling units supplying outlets in family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms/areas must be protected by a listed AFCI device of the combination type [210.12(B)].

Smoke alarms connected to a 15A or 20A circuit of a dwelling unit must be AFCI protected if the smoke alarm is located in one of the areas specified In 210.12(B). The exemption from AFCI protection for the "fire alarm circuit" contained in 760.41(B) and 760.121(B) doesn’t apply to the single- or multiple-station smoke alarm circuit typically installed in dwelling unit bedroom areas. This is because a smoke alarm circuit isn’t a fire alarm circuit as defined in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Unlike single- or multiple-station smoke alarms, fire alarm systems are managed by a fire alarm control panel.

210.12(B) Exception No. 1: The AFCI protection can be located at the first outlet if the circuit conductors are installed in RMC, IMC, EMT or steel armored Type AC cable, and the AFCI device is contained in a metal outlet or junction box.

210.12(B) Exception No. 2: AFCI protection can be omitted for branch circuit wiring to a fire alarm system in accordance with 760.41(B) and 760.121(B), if the circuit conductors are installed in RMC, IMC, EMT, or steel armored Type AC cable.

Photo Galleries

If you’re an electrical engineer striving to earn the highest salary possible, a move to California may be in your future — considering the fact that six of the top 10 highest paying cities for electrical engineers just happen to fall within that state’s borders.

According to in-house research conducted by EC&M in early 2015, nearly two-thirds (64.06%) of the 543 electrical contractors responding to a purchasing practices survey said they currently buy electrical products online.

If you are like most facilities managers, you probably think busway is maintenance-free. There are no moving parts, so what could go wrong — right? Wrong. Check out these 13 photos, view the video online, and watch for the upcoming article in EC&M magazine on “Understanding Electrical Busway Vulnerabilities,” written by John A.

EC&M Webinars

The energy released during an arc flash event can result in severe damage to personnel, equipment, and property. While there are solutions which seek to improve the protection for each, this program will focus on personnel....More

Get more information on the important changes to the 2015 edition of NFPA 70E. More specifically, this event will address hazard analysis and FR clothing performance testing, focusing on the quantification of incident energy and ATPV (or Arc Rating)....More

Are you protected in the event of short circuit fault? Stainless steel cable ties provide a durable method of bundling, identifying and fastening cable in severe and harsh conditions.
Productivity. Reliability. Safety. We’ve Got You Covered....More

Productivity. Reliability. Safety. We’ve Got You Covered.
The connectors and crimping process make the Panduit solution unique. Offering the speed and safety of a compression connection, while exceeding the stringent requirements of IEEE Std 837-2002. Install in ANY weather. No burn permits needed....More

Arlington's TVBU810 delivers the ultimate in versatility for installing wall-mounted TVs in new or retrofit projects. You can install it horizontally or vertically to ensure proper positioning of low voltage connections behind the TV....More